TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #1 Posted April 25, 2008 This morning I checked the big Yahoo! group during my normal routine. I was in shock when I read the one post: "Free WH 552 in western PA -- I have pictures and more information if you are interested. I am located near DuBois, PA" I immediately shouted to Mrs R. - "free Wheel Horse in DuBois" - and she figured we were in for a trip later. (About 60 miles away) I replied to the post immediately and when I returned from the shop a little while later I found a response with a phone number and pictures. Within minutes, I had the directions and a pick-up time. We left here about 3:30 PM with my Craftsman tiller on the trailer, (my mother-in-law lives along the way and needed the garden tilled ) picked up the 552, stopped at Mom's and tilled the garden, and made it home before 8PM! The 552 has a newer H60 with stripped out exhaust port threads, and needs a few minor items. It was replaced by a newer model (an 855! ) and the owner didn't know if the exhaust could be fixed. He didn't want to junk it, so he put it up for adoption on the Yahoo! group last night. Glad I was paying attention! Anyhow.... here's a few pictures of it from when we got home. I'll try to get some better ones tomorrow. And here's one of the pics he sent to me -- you can see the "cherry" 855 in the background: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wh500special 2,277 #2 Posted April 25, 2008 I'll give you DOUBLE what you paid for it.... Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nwh1-0475 0 #3 Posted April 25, 2008 That's awsome. I have an appointment tomorrow with an older gentlemen (75 yr young) to look at his collection. From what I have gathered he has had them for years just sitting around. I don't know how many or what kind yet. Update everybody later tomorrow. Again, great find. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,882 #4 Posted April 25, 2008 FREE! Holly cow Terry, that's nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #5 Posted April 25, 2008 Looks pretty clean and straight, and free is always the best. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BairleaFarm 340 #6 Posted April 25, 2008 Looks pretty clean and straight, and free is always the best. Seems we never get deals like that around here. Heck I had to drive 4 hours to get my rust bucket. I love it and wouldnt trade it for anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
perry 82 #7 Posted April 25, 2008 heck ya, nice score. man that sucker is clean looking. cant believe he had 2 horse's and actually gave one up. he had to now what its worth ?. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #8 Posted April 25, 2008 It was given to him by his father-in-law over 30 years ago. His wife said she remembered driving it when she was much younger and she almost ran over her grandmother with it! In the time that he's owned it, the transmission was rebuilt and the engine was replaced - both by his f.i.l. - and when the exhaust fell off about 3 years ago, he parked it in the shed.... until now. He got the 855 from its original owner (a neighbor who was around 80 years old) and likes the power it has compared to the 552. The 855 is very nice and even has the HL-5 headlight kit. He claims that if the exhaust problem wouldn't have occured, he'd still be using the 552 - or at least keeping it as a spare. He knew it was worth something to the right person, but he didn't seem like he wanted the hassle of trying to sell it. Due to his location, he didn't figure he'd be able to get much money for it, and was actually going to park it out along the road with a "FREE" sign on it. I am very glad that he posted it at Yahoo, and am more thrilled that it was that close! His original thought was to junk it, but his wife seemed like she wanted it to go to a good home instead. I'd say it found a good home... right between my 502 & 702! :whistle: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,652 #9 Posted April 25, 2008 Terry, that's an awesome find! Congratulations! kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #10 Posted April 25, 2008 Terry the only way it could have gone to a nicer home would have been here. LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kj4kicks 154 #11 Posted April 25, 2008 Nice score TT !! Congrats.... and thanks again to Mrs R. for being soooooo understanding! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #12 Posted April 25, 2008 Nice find TT and for a very good price as well :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,610 #13 Posted April 25, 2008 TT, You can't be that price - free! And it's a nice looking tractor. Great find. :whistle: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mailman 1 #14 Posted April 25, 2008 :whistle: I'm not sure what I would do if I got a freebie like that. Way to go! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
perry 82 #15 Posted April 25, 2008 that ones gonna be a hard one to beat for a freebie . the hunt is on........well the hunt is allways on :WRS: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
refracman 167 #16 Posted April 25, 2008 Congrats TT, gotta love the free stuff but when its in nice shape it makes them all the sweeter! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catman81056 3 #17 Posted April 25, 2008 Really nice Terry. My wife often wonders why every morning before going to work I'm checking out Craigslist and Yahoo freecycle. Nice find :whistle: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,411 #18 Posted April 25, 2008 I'd say it found a good home... right between my 502 & 702! Now you can do your own custom print of a color cover to that manual! Nice grab TT!! Way to be on the ball! :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #19 Posted April 25, 2008 I thought about that last year when I had a 401, 551, and a 701 all here at the same time. The ones on the manual were a LOT nicer looking than mine though. (and..... the same goes for my '62 models ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse_of_course 99 #20 Posted April 25, 2008 Any idea what you plan on doing about the exhaust? Not sure if they make helicoils in NPT sizes. If it were me I think I would use it to do further "research" on the value of JB Weld. If it only holds for a few years you haven't lost anything! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #21 Posted April 25, 2008 The two potential reasons why the pipe pulled out of the block were: 1) The replacement muffler was the large (and heavy) "pepperpot" style. 2) The support brace from the engine block to the pipe was missing. Too much unsupported weight - and only being screwed in to the block about 5/8" didn't help it, and it's also possible the muffler could have hit against something, causing it to pull the threads. I haven't had a chance to look it over real close, but I'm going to try a 3/4" NPT tap first. I might be able to bore the end of the hole larger and cut the threads a little deeper into the exhaust port. The block is also drilled & tapped for a bolt on muffler, so if I don't have the ability to run the tap in deeper, or the thickness to open the the hole up from 3/4" NPT to 1" NPT threads (that doesn't look promising) I'll just use a street elbow or close nipple and weld some tabs to it to secure it in the block with socket head capscrews. Then I'll install a 29633 muffler and the correct block-to-pipe brace when it's repaired. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rod(NASNUT) 1 #22 Posted April 25, 2008 :WRS: TT that is what I am looking for you lucky dog you I would have gone that far for that one congrats TT :whistle: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FreddieFarmall 1 #23 Posted April 25, 2008 Terry: Great Job rescuing that 552. Like you and others said, it found a good home. How is your hot rod tractor coming? I don't think I will be able to attend the NAMA spring show/auction this spring so have fun! Fred <_ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #24 Posted April 25, 2008 Terry: Great Job rescuing that 552. Like you and others said, it found a good home. How is your hot rod tractor coming? I don't think I will be able to attend the NAMA spring show/auction this spring so have fun! Fred <_> Glad to hear from you, Fred! Too bad you might not be at the NAMA show though. You might miss out on some good deals. The "Black Tractor" has been "back-burnered" until I get some other things accomplished. (like trying to find a job, getting a mowing tractor rounded up for my sister-in-law, trying to get the Kohlers running on the Gravely's, and playing with the "new" 552.) I sure was glad to hear that little Kohler fire up for the first time though. I'd really be up the proverbial creek if I had to go to work everyday. Keep in touch! :whistle: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #25 Posted April 25, 2008 OK... "she" got a bath, and I got some better pictures ..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
